What is Agriculture Tourism?
Agricultural tourism is an excursion for the purpose of seeing farms and participating in rural activities. Under this, a village is transformed into a rural tourism ecosystem. There is so much potential in this area that if it is used properly, it can be 15 to 20 percent of the total tourism.
Why is agriculture tourism needed?
In India the income of farmers has not yet reached this level so that they can live a quality life. Therefore, additional income can be generated for the farmers by promoting agro-tourism.
According to the 2011 census, the urban population in the country has reached 31 percent. These urban populations are largely unaware of the village and rural experiences. Therefore, there is ample scope in agricultural tourism.
Agri-tourism also has the potential to change the fate of the rural economy. This will not only benefit the farmers but other employment opportunities will also be created in the villages itself.
Its contribution to the global economy
The agri-tourism market in the year 2019 was $42.46 billion. It is expected to reach $62.98 billion by 2027. In this context, the region also has favorable economic prospects.
Agro-tourism related challenges-
In India, a large population of farmers belong to small and medium farmers and the sites shown in agricultural tourism are the fields of large holdings. A big farm occupies a large area which is more attractive
Apart from this the tourist expects to see recreational activities there as well. It is not possible for the farmers to manage all this.
If the farmer concentrates on activities like entertainment of tourism, then how will he do farming? This is also a big problem.
There is a lack of tourism related awareness among the farmers, but they also do not have the necessary skills for this sector.
Agricultural tourism can be promoted by the following suggestions:
If the cooperative model is implemented in agri-tourism, then it can boost agri-tourism. For this, an agricultural tourist destination will have to be made by combining the fields of different farmers of the same crop.
For this, a proper mechanism has to be created so that farmers can get fair and equitable benefits.
At the district level, work will have to be done for the development of this area with a concept like one crop service (One District One Product).
The Agricultural Tourism Development Council will have to do adequate research work on the development of new possibilities in this area. With this those startups working in the field of agriculture will also have to be linked to it which can promote agri-tourism.